Computer

Your computer’s processing power, capabilities and available memory can cause iTunes to freeze while downloading or installing updates for any application contained on the computer. Older computers come with slower processors and computing power than those offered by newer devices, which can lead to system wide freezes, including iTunes, while updates are installed. As the update’s data is processed, all the computer’s resources are diverted to the updating task, slowing the other applications on the computer to a crawl or complete freeze up.

Corrupt Files

The updated version of the application you are processing could be corrupted, which can cause iTunes to freeze as it attempts to resolve or work around the corrupted part of the file. If this is the case, iTunes will eventually notify you that the update could not be processed, but the wait could be a long one. In these situations, quitting out of iTunes or disconnecting your mobile device during the updating process will stop the program’s attempt to update the affected application file. When you reattach the mobile device, such as an iPhone or iPod, the update process will begin again and you will likely experience another freeze up.

Resolving Corrupt File Issues

If you suspect an application’s updated file is corrupt and is causing iTunes to freeze, delete the file from the media player and download it again. If you purchased the app from the iTunes App Store, contact Apple’s customer service and inform them of your situation. The company will then allow you to download the file again, an allowance that is made for a limited amount of purchases and situations per year. If the app was free, you will not need to contact customer service to download it again.

ITunes Updates

Sometimes, when updating to a newer version of the iTunes media player application, your computer, and the application itself, may freeze up due to networking issues. Traffic along your Internet provider’s network could be causing the updated version of the app to download more slowly than during optimal traffic periods. If this is the case, iTunes and other applications may appear to freeze, but, in actuality, it is the Internet connection that is causing the entire computer system to drastically slow down.

Safe Mode

If iTunes continues to freeze while updating apps, running the program in safe mode may help identify if the problem lies with the media player program. Opening iTunes in safe mode will activate the program free of any interference by third-party plug-ins or applications. This is done by pressing the Control and Shift keys while opening iTunes. When open in safe mode, attempt to update the app again to see if the problem persists. If it does, contact Apple’s customer service department for further assistance.